Lions Power Ranking Roundup: Does controversy hurt the Lions?

I swear we'll stop talking about the Detroit Lions controversial finish against the Dallas Cowboys from last week at some point. Probably after this. We have to see if that finish changed the opinions of the power rankers around the league. Let's jump into it and see.

ESPN: 4th

Previous ranking: 4th

"Goff is signed through 2024 and could become an unrestricted free agent in 2025, so the Lions will need to decide what to do with the veteran quarterback. He has led the Lions back to relevancy, winning their first division crown since 1993, while reaching 4,000 passing yards on the season for the fourth time of his career. It would make sense to lock down Goff, but the question is whether it will be for the short term or long term. He has taken ownership of Detroit's offense while revitalizing his career in the process." -Eric Woodyard

Yahoo Sports: 5th

Previous ranking: 7th

"Most likely, the Lions get the No. 3 playoff seed in the NFC. They have no shot at the No. 1 seed and the bye. This is a great opportunity for head coach Dan Campbell to rest starters. But does Campbell seem like the type of coach who would sit anyone?" -Frank Schwab 

USA Today: 5B (They tied the Lions and Cowboys at 5. Cowboys are 5A)

Previous ranking: 5

"Did they really lose Saturday? Regardless, this is a team capable of doing serious damage in the postseason … if its players are, ahem, eligible to do so." -Nate Davis

The Athletic: 4th

Previous ranking: 5th

Remember all the grief Detroit got for taking running back Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 and inside linebacker Jack Campbell at No. 18? Since Week 14, Gibbs is ninth in the league in rushing (72.25 yards per game). Campbell is second on the team in tackles for the season (77). Tight end Sam LaPorta, the No. 34 pick, hasn’t been bad either, catching 81 passes for 860 yards and nine touchdowns. (Sorry about the ref thing guys. We hope leaving you ahead of the Cowboys in these rankings makes it all better.)" -Josh Kendall

Pro Football Network: 7th

Previous ranking:

"Dan Campbell (understandably) tilted after the Lions’ successful two-point conversion attempt was called back by a bogus penalty on offensive tackle Taylor Decker, who reported eligible on the play and caught the pass.

Detroit’s run defense looked outstanding, and their rushing attack looked dominant at times against Dallas’ defense. However, a few mistakes from Jared Goff led to turnovers, and the Lions’ pass defense remains the team’s Achilles heel." Dalton Miller

Sporting News: 5th

Previous ranking: 4th

"The Lions looked dead in Dallas until a late rally with their defense and big pass plays. They are pushing hard to go into the playoffs with momentum, hosting their first postseason game in 30 years. They need to stay sharp with Matthew Stafford and the red-hot Rams looming for them." -Vinnie Iyer